The reception is a big part of your wedding. After your friends and family have watched you walk down the aisle in your stunningly beautiful dress, exchange your vows with your loved one, and retreat to the strains of Mendelssohn’s Wedding March, they’ll be a bit tired and very ready for refreshment. But you don’t want them tearing open their coffee and tea wedding favors yet. What should you serve to satisfy your hungry crowd? There are many different factors that will determine your choice of food.

First of all, realize that some of your guests might have food allergies. Coffee and tea wedding favors, or chocolate wedding favors might not be a good idea for them, and definitely not for the reception. If you choose to have caffeinated beverages or chocolate there, make sure there’s a safe alternative. The last thing you want is to have your guests become sick due to your thoughtlessness. In the event that someone mistakenly drinks or eats the wrong thing, however, have an emergency kit available with an Epi-pen, antihistamines, and the number to the local emergency room. The first two are available at any pharmacy, the last one can easily be found in the phone book.

Next, think about the people with dietary restrictions. Your grandmother may not be allergic to her chocolate wedding favors, but she might have diabetes. Find a healthier alternative for dessert for Grandma. This might seem a bit tricky when it comes to desserts, since everyone wants a piece of wedding cake, but you can have more than one version of it. Perhaps a small cake for yourself and your groom, and sheet cakes for the rest of the guests, including a sugar free one with whipped icing for hyperglycaemic guests. What about folks who are vegetarian? That’s easily solved; have vegetarian friendly dishes as well. Make sure they’re actually good tasting dishes, by the way; if they’re done well, you’ll have die hard meat lovers eating their veggies too. And that’s never a bad thing.

Last but not least, be flexible. There may be one or two situations that you may have forgotten about, like the fact that Great Aunt Mildred has no teeth and has to have her food liquefied. Or that his side of the family loves the place you’re getting to do the catering, but can’t stand the cilantro that they serve. In situations like this, a quick alteration can be made. Ideally, your facility will have a kitchen and appliances anyway. If that’s the case, a steak milkshake can be whipped up on short notice. Most caterers put toppings on the side for a do it yourself approach to their food. In addition, make sure everything is clearly labelled, so people can see for themselves what’s in the food. With some dishes, this will be fairly obvious, like tacos. With others, like beef stew, it might be more challenging. Hence, a label will help clear up confusion and keep your guests safe and happy.

Food, especially at a wedding reception, can either be a huge obstacle or an easy hurdle. It all depends on the way you choose to handle it. Remember, there’s no need to chicken out and just serve punch and cake. With a little thought and consideration for yourself and your guests, you’ll have an amazing spread and a very happy celebration.